She nodded, but it wasn’t
just his company she wanted. In the room, circulating around them like thick
smoke was the feral attraction she couldn't ignore.

He stood over her, lean muscle and olive skin flowing
under his khaki shirt. Shannon had known his tenderness, recognized it in the
glimmer of his eyes when he looked at her, even through the narrow eye sockets
of his mask. She knew his strength, too—his uncompromising intent, the fight
that wouldn’t be distinguished. The two sides of Tristan…she desired both.